Hi readers!
We caught up with Ms O’Connor, the DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) lead at the school to get her thoughts on cultural awareness.
LT: Morning Ms O’Connor! Thanks for talking to us. How long have you been DEI lead at the school?
Hiya! I've been the DEI Lead at Leventhorpe for almost 2 years now.
LT: What do you enjoy most about the role?
I get to work with so many amazing students and teachers across the school. There are so many amazing ideas that are shared and we get to change things up year on year!
LT: Why do you think it is so important to be culturally aware?
The UK is such a melting pot of culture, language and experience. As an English Language teacher, I love to research where certain words come from or how certain phrases became widespread. Being culturally aware enriches your life and broadens your world too. Although Sawbridgeworth and the surrounding areas are lovely, looking further afield helps you to learn, appreciate and understand so much more.
LT: How can we be more culturally aware all year round?
I would really encourage you to be inquisitive about events and activities that you see at school and in the local community. Google things too! There are so many religious events, cultural days and monthly commemorations in your planners and Arbor calendars, have a quick Google to find out more information.
LT: If you could take Leventhorpe students anywhere on a school trip, with unlimited budget, where would you pick?
Somewhere with different weather patterns, I think! We seem to have drizzle year-round, then a few days of sun. It would be so interesting to experience a monsoon season or a proper heatwave.
LT: Which culture would you personally like to learn more about?
I would love to learn Irish Gaelic. Despite my Irish name, I'm not very connected to my own heritage, so perhaps learning the language would help.
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